Hydraulic Force Calculator

Size actuators for presses, clamps, and lifts. Switch units, choose mode, and view safety margin. Download CSV or PDF, then document assumptions clearly now.

Calculator Inputs

Choose a calculation mode, set direction, then enter pressure and geometry. Large screens show three columns, smaller screens adapt automatically.

Force mode is best for quick checks.
Retraction uses bore area minus rod area.
Use one unit consistently for diameters and stroke.
Enter system pressure for the selected mode.
Loss is applied before force is computed.
Hose, valves, filters, and flow restrictions.
Cylinder inside diameter.
Used only for retraction area.
Enables volume and energy estimates.
Accounts for friction, seals, and mechanical losses.
Reduces allowable load; increases required pressure/bore.
Used for safe-force display and target force.
Used in “Required pressure” and “Required bore” modes.
Optional; estimates flow and hydraulic power.
Reset

Example Data Table

Sample inputs and the computed safe working force. Use these as starting points, then adjust for your system pressure, losses, and safety targets.

Scenario Mode Direction Pressure Bore Rod Eff (%) SF Safe Force Volume/Stroke
Press cylinder (extend)forceextend160.000 BAR80.000 mm35.000 mm88.01.3052.26 KN1.257 L
Clamp cylinder (retract)forceretract2,500.000 PSI2.500 in1.500 in92.01.205,660.10 LBF0.309 L
Lift actuator (extend)forceextend14.000 MPA63.000 mm28.000 mm90.01.5025.40 KN1.559 L
These examples assume steady pressure. For dynamic loads, check acceleration forces and shock factors.

Formula Used

Cylinder area
Bore area = π × D² / 4
Rod area = π × d² / 4
Retraction area = Bore area − Rod area
Use extension for pushing; retraction for pulling.
Force from pressure
Effective pressure = P × (1 − loss%)
Theoretical force = Peff × Area
Usable force = Theoretical × efficiency
Safe working = Usable / safety factor
Safety factor reduces allowable load for reliability.
Required pressure
Required force = Target × safety factor
Peff = Required / (Area × efficiency)
P = Peff / (1 − loss%)
Use this when cylinder geometry is fixed.
Required bore
Needed area = Required / (Peff × efficiency)
Extend: D = √(4A/π)
Retract: D = √(4A/π + d²)
Retraction bore must cover rod area loss.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select a mode based on what you need to solve.
  2. Pick the direction to use the correct piston area.
  3. Enter pressure and losses to get effective pressure.
  4. Enter bore and rod diameters using one length unit.
  5. Set efficiency to reflect friction and real-world losses.
  6. Set safety factor for conservative, reliable sizing.
  7. Press Calculate to view results above this form.
  8. Export CSV or PDF to document your assumptions.
Design note: Validate against buckling, mounting loads, and dynamic shocks. For high-speed motion, verify pump flow, valve sizing, and pressure drops.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.